The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between 37 percent and 47 percent. In 2023, about 42 percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession.

Additional information on firearms in the United States

Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the second amendment to the constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons.

Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison the other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change in regards to the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobby for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.

This study was undertaken to obtain information on the characteristics of gun ownership, gun-carrying practices, and weapons-related incidents in the United States -- specifically, gun use and other weapons used in self-defense against humans and animals. Data were gathered using a national random-digit-dial telephone survey. The respondents were comprised of 1,905 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and older living in the 50 United States. All interviews were completed between May 28 and July 2, 1996. The sample was designed to be a representative sample of households, not of individuals, so researchers did not interview more than one adult from each household. To start the interview, six qualifying questions were asked, dealing with (1) gun ownership, (2) gun-carrying practices, (3) gun display against the respondent, (4) gun use in self-defense against animals, (5) gun use in self-defense against people, and (6) other weapons used in self-defense. A "yes" response to a qualifying question led to a series of additional questions on the same topic as the qualifying question. Part 1, Survey Data, contains the coded data obtained during the interviews, and Part 2, Open-Ended-Verbatim Responses, consists of the answers to open-ended questions provided by the respondents. Information collected for Part 1 covers how many firearms were owned by household members, types of firearms owned (handguns, revolvers, pistols, fully automatic weapons, and assault weapons), whether the respondent personally owned a gun, reasons for owning a gun, type of gun carried, whether the gun was ever kept loaded, kept concealed, used for personal protection, or used for work, and whether the respondent had a permit to carry the gun. Additional questions focused on incidents in which a gun was displayed in a hostile manner against the respondent, including the number of times such an incident took place, the location of the event in which the gun was displayed against the respondent, whether the police were contacted, whether the individual displaying the gun was known to the respondent, whether the incident was a burglary, robbery, or other planned assault, and the number of shots fired during the incident. Variables concerning gun use by the respondent in self-defense against an animal include the number of times the respondent used a gun in this manner and whether the respondent was hunting at the time of the incident. Other variables in Part 1 deal with gun use in self-defense against people, such as the location of the event, if the other individual knew the respondent had a gun, the type of gun used, any injuries to the respondent or to the individual that required medical attention or hospitalization, whether the incident was reported to the police, whether there were any arrests, whether other weapons were used in self-defense, the type of other weapon used, location of the incident in which the other weapon was used, and whether the respondent was working as a police officer or security guard or was in the military at the time of the event. Demographic variables in Part 1 include the gender, race, age, household income, and type of community (city, suburb, or rural) in which the respondent lived. Open-ended questions asked during the interview comprise the variables in Part 2. Responses include descriptions of where the respondent was when he or she displayed a gun (in self-defense or otherwise), specific reasons why the respondent displayed a gun, how the other individual reacted when the respondent displayed the gun, how the individual knew the respondent had a gun, whether the police were contacted for specific self-defense events, and if not, why not.

According to a 2023 survey, just over 40 percent of respondents in the United States stated that there was a firearm present in their home. Roughly three percent reported having no opinion on the matter.

Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in the United States in 2021, with 1,006,555 firearms. Rhode Island, on the other hand, had the least, with 4,887 registered firearms.

Gun laws in the United States

Gun ownership in the U.S. is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, which allows citizens to own firearms and form a militia if necessary.

Outside of the 2nd Amendment, gun laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, and gun owners are subject to the laws of the state they are currently in, not necessarily the state they live in. For example, if concealed carry is allowed in a gun owner’s state of residence, but not in the state they are travelling in, the owner is subject to the law of the state they are travelling in.

Civilian-owned firearms

The United States is estimated to have the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms in the world, and more than double that of Yemen, which has the second-highest gun ownership rate. Unfortunately, along with high gun ownership rates comes a higher number of homicides by firearm, which was about 10,258 homicides in 2019.

The Gun Violence Archive (GVA) is an online archive of gun violence incidents collected from over 7,500 law enforcement, media, government and commercial sources daily in an effort to provide near-real time data about the results of gun violence. GVA was established in 2013 an independent data collection and research group to provide comprehensive data for the national conversation regarding gun violence.

GVA catalogs both incidents of gun-related deaths and incidents where a victim was injured by shooting or by a victim who was the subject of an armed robber or home invader. Incidents of defensive gun use, homeowners who stop a home invasion, store clerks who stop a robbery, individuals who stop an assault or rape with a gun are also collected. The two exceptions to the near real-time collection are suicides by gun, which are collected quarterly and annually due to differing distribution methods by government agencies, and for armed robberies with no injuries or DGU characteristics, which are collected in aggregate with law enforcement quarterly and annual reports. GVA also records incidents of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement involvement in recovering illegal or stolen weapons; incidents where guns were reported stolen from homes, vehicles, and businesses; incidents where Airsoft or BB guns are used as weapons (but not where they are used in general vandalism or delinquency); and TSA data of guns illegally taken through airport security points. Incident data are categorized by number of deaths, number of injuries, number of children, number of teens, mass shootings, officers shot, suspect shot by officer, home invasion, defensive use, and unintentional shooting.

The home defense gun market, encompassing firearms specifically designed for residential self-protection, is experiencing robust growth driven by escalating concerns about personal safety and home security. The market's expansion is fueled by several factors, including rising crime rates in certain regions, increasing awareness of self-defense techniques, and a surge in demand for specialized firearms optimized for close-quarters combat situations. The market segmentation reveals a strong preference for light guns, due to their ease of handling and maneuverability within confined spaces, which accounts for a larger share of the market. Daily defense applications clearly dominate the market segment, signifying a key driver for purchasing decisions. The competitive landscape is characterized by established players like Smith & Wesson, Beretta Holding, and Ruger & Co., alongside newer entrants focusing on innovative designs and technological advancements. Geographical distribution showcases North America and Europe as leading markets, reflecting higher gun ownership rates and comparatively less stringent regulations than certain regions in Asia-Pacific or the Middle East & Africa. While the market is witnessing rapid expansion, restraints such as increasingly stricter gun control laws in certain regions, and heightened public scrutiny of gun violence, pose challenges to future growth. However, the overall market trajectory indicates a sustained upward trend, particularly driven by consistent demand from the daily defense segment and technological innovations enhancing firearm safety and performance. Despite these positive market trends, certain challenges remain. The cost of firearms and associated accessories can be prohibitive for many potential consumers. Additionally, increased awareness of responsible gun ownership and safety practices may lead to slower growth in some regions. However, the manufacturers are adept at addressing these concerns through the introduction of affordable firearm models and enhanced training programs that foster responsible gun ownership. This strategic approach is expected to help sustain the market's momentum, allowing the industry to continue its growth trajectory.

Data tables relating to offences involving weapons as recorded by police and hospital episode statistics.

This nationally representative, anonymous, household telephone survey was conducted to explore the distribution of privately owned firearms in the United States, as well as firearm acquisition, disposal, and storage in households with guns. The study updates an earlier (1994) study by Cook and Ludwig that examined household firearm ownership in the United States (Cook P.J., Ludwig J. Guns in America: Results of a comprehensive national survey of firearms ownership and use. Washington DC: Police Foundation 1997.) Other domains of the survey included (1) past year firearm use both by respondents with firearms in their households and those without (e.g., "In the past 12 months, have you handled any gun"); (2) guns and youth (e.g., "In the last 12 months, have you ever asked another parent whether their home contains guns?"); (3) awareness of and opinions regarding state and federal firearm laws (e.g., "To the best of your knowledge, does your state have a law that holds adults liable for misuse of their guns by children or minors"; "Do you favor or oppose the sale of military style firearms?"); (4) depression and suicide (e.g., "If the Golden Gate Bridge had a barrier to prevent suicide, about how many of the 1,000 jumpers (who have committed suicide by jumping off the bridge since 1937) do you think would have found some other way to kill themselves?") and (5) aggressive driving (e.g., "In the past 12 months, have you made obscene or rude gestures at another motorist"). The survey also included extensive demographic information about the respondent and his or her family. The demographic information that was collected includes respondents' sex, age, race, education level, household income, criminal arrest history, armed forces membership status, type of residential area (e.g., urban or rural), and political philosophy.

This statistic shows the percentage of Americans who personally own a gun in 2011 sorted by their preferred political view. In 2011, 41 percent of respondents who defined themselves as Republicans or leaned towards the Republican point of view stated they personally own a gun.

Home Biometric Gun Safe Market Outlook

The global home biometric gun safe market size was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. This impressive growth can be attributed to an increasing demand for advanced security solutions and the rising awareness of gun safety measures.

One of the primary growth factors for the home biometric gun safe market is the increasing number of firearm owners who prioritize safety and security. With the rising incidence of gun-related accidents and thefts, gun owners are becoming more conscious of the need to securely store their firearms. Biometric gun safes, which provide enhanced security through fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition technologies, offer a reliable solution to this pressing need. The convenience and speed of access provided by these safes, coupled with their ability to prevent unauthorized access, are key drivers of their growing popularity.

Another significant factor contributing to the market's growth is the technological advancements in biometric recognition systems. Innovations in fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and iris scanning technologies have greatly improved the reliability and accuracy of biometric gun safes. As these technologies become more sophisticated, they offer users increased confidence in the security of their firearms. Furthermore, the integration of smart technologies, such as mobile app connectivity and remote monitoring, has enhanced the user experience, making biometric gun safes a preferred choice among tech-savvy consumers.

The growing awareness of gun safety regulations and the implementation of stringent laws in various regions have also played a crucial role in driving the market's expansion. Governments and law enforcement agencies are increasingly advocating for secure storage solutions to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. This has led to a surge in demand for biometric gun safes, particularly in regions with high gun ownership rates. Additionally, manufacturers are focusing on compliance with safety standards and certifications, further boosting consumer confidence in their products.

In addition to biometric safes, Home Gun Safes have become an essential component for firearm owners seeking to enhance security within their residences. These safes provide a robust solution for storing firearms securely, ensuring that they are inaccessible to unauthorized users, including children and potential intruders. With a variety of designs and locking mechanisms available, home gun safes cater to different needs, from compact models for handguns to larger units for long guns. The growing awareness of the importance of secure firearm storage in homes is driving the demand for these safes, as they offer peace of mind and compliance with safety regulations.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest share of the home biometric gun safe market, driven by the high prevalence of gun ownership and stringent gun safety regulations in the United States and Canada. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the increasing adoption of advanced security technologies and rising disposable incomes in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Europe is also witnessing steady growth, supported by robust safety regulations and a growing awareness of firearm safety among the population.

Product Type Analysis

In the home biometric gun safe market, product type is a critical segment that includes handgun safes, long gun safes, portable safes, and others. Handgun safes dominate the market due to their compact size and ease of access, which make them a popular choice among handgun owners. These safes are designed to accommodate one or two handguns and can be easily stored in various locations within the home. The increasing number of handgun owners and the demand for quick access in emergency situations are key factors driving the growth of this segment.

Long gun safes, on the other hand, cater to the needs of rifle and shotgun owners. These safes are larger and more robust, providing ample space for multiple long guns and associated accessories. The rising popularity of hunting and shooting sports, along with the need for secure storage solutions to prevent unauthorized access, has significantly contributed to the growth of this segment. Long gun safes are ofte

This dataset consists of gun violence within Jefferson county that may fall within LMPDs radar, including non-fatal shootings, homicides, as well as shot-spotter data. The mapping data points where there are victims have been obfuscated to maintain privacy, while still being accurate enough to be placed in its correct boundaries, particularly around, neighborhoods, ZIP Codes, Council districts, and police divisions. The data also excludes any victim information that could be used to identify any individual. this data is used to make the public aware of what is going on in their communities. The data consists of only criminal incidents, excluding any cases that are deemed non-criminal.Field NameField DescriptionCase numberPolice report number. For ShotSpotter detections, it is the ShotSpotter ID.DateTimeDate and time in which the original incident occurred. Time is rounded down.AddressAddress rounded down to the one hundred block of where the initial incident occured. Unless it is an intersection.NeighborhoodNeighborhood in which the original incident occurred.Council DistrictCouncil district in which the original incident occurred.LatitudeLatitude coordinate used to map the incidentLongitudeLongitude coordinate used to map the incidentZIP CodeZIP Code in which the original incident occurred.Crime Typea distinction between incidents, whether it is a non-fatal shooting, homicide, or a ShotSpotter detection.CauseUsed to differentiate on the cause of death for homicide victims.SexGender of the victim of the initial incident.RaceRace/Ethnicity of the victim in a given incident.Age GroupCategorized age groups used to anonymize victim information.Division NamePolice division or department where the initial incident occurred.Crime report data is provided for Louisville Metro Police Divisions only; crime data does not include smaller class cities, unless LMPD becomes involved in smaller agency incident.The data provided in this dataset is preliminary in nature and may have not been investigated by a detective at the time of download. The data is therefore subject to change after a complete investigation. This data represents only calls for police service where a police incident report was taken. Due to the variations in local laws and ordinances involving crimes across the nation, whether another agency utilizes Uniform Crime Report (UCR) or National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) guidelines, and the results learned after an official investigation, comparisons should not be made between the statistics generated with this dataset to any other official police reports. Totals in the database may vary considerably from official totals following the investigation and final categorization of a crime. Therefore, the data should not be used for comparisons with Uniform Crime Report or other summary statistics.Contact:Ivan Benitez, Ph.D.Gun Violence Data FellowOffice for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoodsivan.benitez@louisvilleky.gov

The civilian self-defense rifle market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and home security. This demand is further fueled by factors such as rising crime rates in certain regions, political instability in some areas, and a growing preference for self-reliance among consumers. The market is segmented by rifle type (light, standard, heavy) and application (hunting, shooting sports, self-defense), with the self-defense application segment exhibiting particularly strong growth. Considering the provided data and industry trends, we can reasonably estimate the 2025 market size to be approximately $2.5 billion USD, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% projected through 2033. This signifies a substantial market expansion and significant investment opportunities within the sector. This growth is not uniform across all regions. North America, particularly the United States, currently holds the largest market share due to high gun ownership rates and a strong culture of self-defense. However, increasing demand is observed in other regions as well, particularly in countries experiencing social or political instability. Europe and Asia-Pacific markets are projected to see notable growth, driven by factors such as increased awareness of personal safety and the rising popularity of shooting sports. The market's growth, however, faces certain restraints including stricter gun control regulations in some countries and rising manufacturing costs. This necessitates manufacturers to focus on innovative designs, enhanced features, and efficient supply chain management to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, white respondents were more likely to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household than their non-white counterparts. During the survey, 35 percent of white Americans reported that they personally owned a firearm, compared to 22 percent of non-white respondents.

The global guns safes market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about gun safety and security, particularly in the aftermath of mass shootings and heightened awareness of accidental firearm incidents. The market, valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including stricter gun control legislation in various regions, rising demand for home security systems, and increasing consumer awareness of the importance of secure firearm storage. The segments within the market show strong performance across the board; fingerprint safes are witnessing rapid adoption owing to their convenience and enhanced security features, while the law enforcement and military sectors continue to represent significant revenue streams. Growth is observed across regions, with North America and Europe currently dominating the market share due to higher gun ownership rates and established security infrastructure. However, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are projected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to rising disposable incomes and increasing urbanization. The market's growth is not without challenges. Restrictive regulations on firearm sales in some countries could potentially impede market expansion in specific regions. Furthermore, the high cost of advanced security features, such as biometric safes, could restrain market penetration in price-sensitive segments. To overcome these restraints, manufacturers are actively focusing on developing innovative and cost-effective solutions, including smaller, more portable safes and offering a wider range of pricing options to cater to diverse consumer segments. Competition amongst established players like Liberty Safe, Cannon Safe, and BSA Guns is fierce, leading to product innovation and strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and capture a greater market share. The overall outlook remains positive, with the market poised for consistent growth throughout the forecast period. This report provides a detailed analysis of the global guns safes market, projected to reach a valuation exceeding $2.5 billion by 2028. It examines market dynamics, key players, emerging trends, and growth opportunities within this rapidly evolving sector. The report utilizes extensive primary and secondary research to deliver actionable insights for stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and investors. Key search terms like "gun safe security," "best gun safes," "fireproof gun safes," and "gun storage solutions" are strategically incorporated throughout the report to maximize online visibility.

The civilian self-defense rifle market is a dynamic sector experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about personal safety and home security. While precise market sizing data is unavailable, considering the substantial presence of major firearms manufacturers like Smith & Wesson, Ruger & Co., and Sig Sauer, alongside a diverse range of smaller players, the global market likely exceeded $2 billion in 2025. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for this segment, while not explicitly provided, is conservatively estimated at 5-7% based on broader firearm market trends and increasing consumer demand for self-defense solutions. Key drivers include rising crime rates in certain regions, heightened political instability in some areas, and an increasing awareness of the need for personal preparedness, particularly in the aftermath of major events or crises. The market is segmented by rifle type (light, standard, heavy) and application (primarily self-defense, but also including hunting and sport shooting, with self-defense forming the largest segment). North America, particularly the United States, currently commands the largest market share, followed by Europe. However, growth is expected in emerging markets of Asia-Pacific and parts of Africa driven by rising disposable income and a growing middle class. Market restraints include stringent gun control regulations varying significantly by region and country, along with potential economic downturns that can impact discretionary spending on firearms and related accessories. The competitive landscape is intensely competitive, with both established manufacturers and smaller niche players vying for market share. Innovation plays a crucial role, with companies continually developing new firearm designs, incorporating advanced technologies like improved ergonomics, accuracy-enhancing features, and enhanced safety mechanisms. This ongoing innovation fuels market growth as consumers seek advanced self-defense tools. Future projections for the market suggest sustained growth throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), albeit at a potentially slightly moderated pace compared to previous years due to potential regulatory impacts. The development of innovative and effective self-defense solutions coupled with increasing consumer demand will continue to shape market dynamics. The strategic moves of major players, including mergers, acquisitions, and product diversification, will also influence the competitive landscape in the coming years.

The home biometric gun safe market, currently valued at $193 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing concerns about home security and firearm safety. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a steadily expanding market, reaching an estimated $275 million by 2033. Key drivers include rising gun ownership, heightened awareness of accidental shootings, and the increasing preference for convenient and secure biometric access over traditional key-based systems. The market is witnessing a shift towards technologically advanced safes with enhanced features such as improved biometric sensors, connectivity options, and integration with smart home systems. However, factors like relatively high initial cost compared to traditional safes and concerns regarding the reliability of biometric technology may act as restraints on market growth. Market segmentation is likely driven by safe capacity, features (fire resistance, tamper resistance), and price points, catering to a diverse range of consumer needs and budgets. Key players like SentrySafe, Vaultek, and GunVault are actively shaping the market landscape through innovation and competitive pricing strategies. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging brands. Established brands leverage their reputation and distribution networks, while newer entrants focus on innovative features and competitive pricing to capture market share. Regional variations in gun ownership laws and cultural attitudes towards firearms influence market growth patterns. North America, with its high rate of gun ownership, is expected to be a major market for home biometric gun safes, followed by Europe and other regions. The future growth will be influenced by technological advancements, changes in consumer preferences, and evolving security regulations. Further research into consumer preferences for features and price points, coupled with a detailed regional analysis, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving market.

The global rifle gun safe market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing firearm ownership, stringent gun safety regulations, and rising concerns about home security. The market, estimated at $2.5 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $4.2 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. The rising popularity of recreational shooting sports and hunting is significantly boosting demand for secure gun storage solutions. Furthermore, legislation mandating safe gun storage in various regions is acting as a strong catalyst. The increasing awareness of home security threats, including burglaries and accidental firearm access by children, is further contributing to the market's expansion. The market is segmented by application (home, military, shooting range, others) and type (dial lock, digital lock, biometric lock), with the home segment holding the largest market share due to the widespread adoption of personal firearm ownership. The digital and biometric lock types are witnessing rapid adoption owing to their convenience and enhanced security features compared to traditional dial locks. While the market faces constraints such as fluctuating raw material prices and economic downturns potentially impacting consumer spending, the long-term growth outlook remains positive, particularly in North America and Asia Pacific regions, due to the higher rates of gun ownership and strengthening regulatory environments. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging companies. Key players like First Alert, Liberty Safe, SnapSafe, and others are focusing on product innovation, including smart features and enhanced security mechanisms, to capture market share. Geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions are also key strategies being adopted by market participants. The North American region currently dominates the market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific, but emerging economies in Asia-Pacific are expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to rising disposable incomes and increasing awareness of gun safety. Future growth will likely be shaped by advancements in technology, including smart home integration and improved biometric security, and continuous regulatory changes impacting gun ownership and storage laws across different regions.

The neighborhood scenario.